Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reveals January transfer window cash kitty

We will spend big (again) because we had restricted finances because we had built the stadium and had to pay that back

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

But the French boss said he wanted to do it the Barcelona way and build a team around a core of homegrown talent.

The Gunners have yet to enter into the transfer market with the window already at the halfway point.

Fans have seen their team – who entertain Swansea in a third round replay tonight – fall way off the pace in the race for the title.

But Wenger stated Arsenal were ready to bolster the squad this month if they can find the right quality of player.

“My plan is to keep all of the players we have and then to add maybe, if possible, two new players to the squad,” he said.

“We are trying very hard to close the (new contract) deal with Theo Walcott.

“Once we have done that, we will certainly do something else.

“We have some improvements to make and we know exactly where.

“But in January it is difficult to find the players that are really better and can give something special to the squad.

“We will spend big (again) because we had restricted finances because we had built the stadium and had to pay that back.

“Now we have come out in a much stronger financial position again so we can spend. Our way is a bit like Barcelona, to produce the core of the team from inside and add from outside the players who give a plus.”

Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, 26, and West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame, 25, are the latest players said to be on Wenger’s radar. He may have transformed the club’s fortunes since joining in September 1996 but he accepts his time will soon “be up”.

He added: “I am 63 years old and will not work at 100.

“That is not the most important thing, though. What is important is that you give your best wherever you are.

“But I have a contract until 2014 and I always respected my contracts.”

Starsport understands Wenger plans to field a near full-strength side tonight.

But Swansea are expected to rest key players with the second leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at home to Chelsea next Wednesday seen as more of a priority.

• PETER Hill-Wood expects to make a decision on whether to remain Arsenal chairman next month.

The 76-year-old had a heart attack in December but is at home in Kent recuperating.

He said yesterday: “I’ve had a rough time but I am getting stronger every day and am over the worst.”